Welcome to The New You, where we focus on maintaining and accentuating the new that Christ has created in you. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s scripture:

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:2).

How can we protect our souls from falling back into sin? The answer lies in the cross, as we noted yesterday from the book of Galatians. Today, let’s look a little closer at the cross and notice two observations about the gospel’s power – displayed through the cross – to restore and bring about dedication in the life of a Christian.

1. The Lord gave Himself for our sin

That’s the first point Paul makes in Galatians 1:4. The cross has a drawing power, doesn’t it? Who can look at the cross, understanding what it means, without being affected by it? Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32).

The Hebrews writer further fleshes out the point of the drawing power of the cross. After discussing the faithful men and women mentioned in Hebrews 11, the writer says that we should use their examples to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). Then, the writer identifies where our number one focus should be placed: “looking unto Jesus” (Heb. 12:2). Jesus is the focus! Consider that through which Jesus went. He endured the cross, despising the shame. He obeyed the Father and now sits “at the right hand of the throne of God.” Then, the writer drives home the point to us:

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls (Heb. 12:3).

Don’t become weary and discouraged! Instead, look to Jesus. His cross draws us closer to Him.

2. The Lord died to save us from this age.

That’s the second point in Galatians 1:4-5. Paul says that Jesus “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age.” The Lord died to save us from the confusion of this age. He died to save us from the contamination of this age. He died to save us from the condemnation of this age. Truly, “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57)!

Let’s wrap it up: Jesus makes it possible for us to enjoy the precious gift of salvation. And, when Christians sin, they can look to the cross to find further pardon as they confess that sin (1 John 1:9), pray to God, and repent of that sin (Acts 8:22). It could happen to you. However, if you keep your eyes on the cross, you’ll be equipped to endure until the end.

Memory Verse: This week, we have been studying Galatians 6:2, which is the verse right after last week’s memory verse, Galatians 6:1. So let’s build on our knowledge and put the two verse together today.

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 6:1-2).

Thanks for listening to The New You. This podcast is brought to you by The Light Network. Visit us online at thelightnetwork.tv. Please subscribe to The New You in iTunes or in your favorite podcast app to automatically receive each new episode.

Make worship a priority this Lord’s day. Assemble with your brother and sisters in Christ this Sunday to offer God the worship He deserves. Plus, your attendance will encourage your brothers and sisters! If you’re looking for a congregation with which to worship, go to thelightnetwork.tv/worship, where you will find an interactive map to direct you to a congregation near you. Also, if you want a great way to prepare your heart for worship, check out Ready to Worship, a podcast from The Light Network, hosted by Wade Webster.

That’s it for this week. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I’ll meet you back here on Monday, the Lord willing, for another edition of The New You.